FAQ's ABOUT WATER AND WATER FILTERS

These are some of the contaminants and the health problems they can cause:

- Turbidity - Can be caused by suspended colloidal material (gelatinous or mucinous substance), coliform contamination, and surface water treatment. Although not health threatening in itself, turbidity interferes with disinfection and is related to disinfection by-products (see summary of trihalomethanes below).
- Lead - A heavy metal, has no known functions or health benefits for humans. Lead, by its nature, is toxic to humans and other forms of life. It is considered a metabolic poison (meaning it inhibits some of the basic enzyme functions) and untold ills: damage to the kidneys and liver, and to the nervous, reproductive, cardiovascular, immune, and gastrointestinal systems. In children, as scientists have recognized, lead has a particularly damaging effect. *Note: One thing about lead is that it may be filtered at the water plant, but your water at the tap may have picked up lead as it travels through old pipes to get to your faucet!
- Mercury - Like lead, mercury is a heavy metal that can have serious health effects. It is an inorganic contaminant that may get into water supplies via natural deposits or through crop run-off or may seep into water supplies near spills and toxic waste sites that are contaminated with mercury. Once mercury has entered the body, it may be months before all of it leaves. At lower levels, Mercury can cause kidney and nervous system disorders. Long-term exposure can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetuses.
- PCB (Endocrine Disrupter) - The effects of exposure to Endocrine Disrupters early in life are permanent and irreversible. According to Dr. Peter Montague of the Environmental Research Foundation, the range of problems that may be caused by hormone disruption is large: cancer, birth defects, stunted growth, reproductive failure, diminished sperm count, smaller penises, endometriosis ( a painful disease of menstrual tissues), ectopic (tubal) pregnancies, damage to the immune system, loss of muscle tone, weakened reflexes, impaired short-term memory, decreased ability to pay attention, lower IQs, and violent behavior.
- Chlordane See above, under "PCB", Endocrine Disrupter)
- Toxaphene See above, under "PCB", Endocrine Disrupter)
- 1,1-Dichloroethane (See above, under "PCB", Endocrine Disrupter)
- Cysts - Over 45 million Americans drink water from treatment plants that have found the cyst Cryptosporidium, the protozoan found in tap water that infected over 400,000 people and killed over 100 in Milwaukee. Giardia, a cyst that has been recognized since the 1960's, has been estimated to cause 5 to 10 waterborne outbreaks annually, an average of 4000 hospital admissions per year, and an average of 6 million dollars in hospital treatment costs annually. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) attorney Erik Olson cited a report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimating that 900,000 people a year are made sick by such microbial contamination of tap water.
- Trihalomethanes - About 15 years ago scientific testing identified chlorine as a potential health hazard, but it is not the chlorine in itself that is dangerous. Scientists discovered that chlorine reacted with organic material in water, such as decaying leaves, to produce hundreds of chemical by-products, several of which have been proven to be carcinogenic. (Trihalomethanes make up the bulk of the cancer-causing DBP's). Other disinfection by-products may cause adverse effects on the liver, and nervous and reproductive systems. The use of chlorine for water treatment to reduce the risk of infectious disease may account for a substantial portion of the cancer risk associated with drinking water. Trihalomethanes are associated with increased risk of bladder and rectal cancer, possibly accounting for 5,000 new cases of bladder cancer and 8,000 new cases of rectal cancer per year in U.S.
- Asbestos - Asbestos is an inorganic compound, found both naturally in the environment and in building materials. Asbestos is a proven carcinogen, and it has been suggested that there may be an elevation in colorectal cancer risk associated with asbestos in drinking water where the naturally occurring levels are high.
- VOC's (Volatile Organic Chemicals) - VOC's are those organic chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals) that are "readily vaporizable at a relatively low temperature" (Webster's Collegiate Dictionary). With no visible characteristics, smell, or taste, VOC's are virtually undetectable in drinking water by the consumer. The only way to know if your water has VOC's is to have it tested or to obtain test results from local public water supplier. VOC's are often toxic and pose intimidating health risks. For a complete list of VOC's filtered by Multipure products see the NSF Certificate for Multipure water filters.
- MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butly Ether) - MTBE is a suspected chemical carcinogen, which the U.S. Geological Survey has found in more than a quarter of the nation's shallow urban wells and in streams, lakes, rain and snow, and even in remote rural areas... Multipure Drinking Water Systems were the first to be tested and certified by NSF International to reduce MTBE.
- Chloramines - Americans are concerned about the use of chloramine because there are so may unknowns about this disinfectant and the possible Chloramine by-products. Water disinfected with Chloramine is not suitable for home dialysis machines or fish aquariums.

“Water is the most neglected nutrient in your diet, but one of the most vital.” - Kelly Barton

Human survival is dependent on water. The average adult body is 55 to 75 percent water. Because our bodies are mostly water, water figures heavily in how our bodies function.

Aside from helping digestion and absorption of food, water regulates body temperature, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes toxins and other wastes.

Water also cushions joints and protects tissues and organs, including the spinal cord, from shock and damage. Conversely, lack of water (dehydration) can be the cause of many ailments.

Hard Water vs. Soft Water (Note: this is why I personally am against Reverse Osmosis filtration except where absolutely necessary to maintain safe water:)

According to Whitney and Hamilton’s Nutrition, soft water (water with the minerals removed) appears to contribute to a higher incidence of hypertension and heart disease in areas where it is used.

Hard water (water with the minerals left in) may oppose these conditions.

According to an article in Good Housekeeping, nutritionists have determined that the amount of minerals in your tap water can make a significant difference to your health. The article cited a study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association that found that drinking “hard” water may actually reduce your risk of heart disease.

Water and Weight Loss

Water plays a major part in weight loss. Because water contains no calories, it can serve as an appetite suppressant and helps the body metabolize stored fat. It may possibly be one of the most significant factors in weight loss.

Also, drinking more water helps to reduce water retention by stimulating the kidneys. Studies recommend that if you are overweight, you should add one glass of water to your daily requirement for every 25 pounds over your recommended weight.

Seventy-five percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. This likely applies to half of the world population.

Water and Back and Joint Pain

Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80 percent of sufferers. A mere 2 percent drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

Source: HDR’s SDWA Safe Drinking Act Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions About
Multipure Drinking Water Systems

Used by over 3 million people across the globe, Multipure Drinking Water Systems is one of the most effective Drinking Water Treatment Systems available.
Multipure Drinking Water Systems solve aesthetic problems in tap water (such as smell and taste) but more importantly reduce potentially dangerous contaminants of health concern. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about Multipure's Solid Carbon Block technology.

1. Are Multipure Drinking Water Systems certified to reduce contaminants of health concern?

Multipure's Drinking Water Systems have been tested and listed under NSF/ANSI Standard No. 42 and Standard No. 53 by NSF International. The replacement filters are also tested and certified by NSF. This means that Multipure filters are regularly tested and examined by one of the world's most respected testing companies, the National Sanitation Foundation, to reduce over 60 chemicals, hormone disruptors, cysts and other contaminants from your drinking water.

2. What contaminants are Multipure Drinking Water Systems certified by NSF to reduce?(Please click here for the NSF Certificate showing everything that Multipure filters have been certified to virtually eliminate - or see the list and explanations at the bottom of this page.)

3. Are the Multipure Drinking Water Systems also certified or registered by the states of California, Iowa, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Colorado who have drinking water programs?

Multipure Drinking Water Systems are one of the few filter systems that indeed have been certified or registered by the states of California, Iowa, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Colorado (all the states that regulate drinking water systems).

4. Is there awarranty/guarantee?

Multipure Corporation demonstrates confidence in its Drinking Water Systems by providing a 90 day money-back guarantee*. In addition the Drinking Water System housings have a lifetime warranty on the stainless steel units, and the plastic unit and system accessories are warranted for 12 months.
*Applicable in U.S. and Canada only, excluding shipping and handing fees.

5. Can the Multipure Drinking Water System be used during an emergency, or when the water is turned off?

Yes, you can hand pump or siphon water through the Multipure unit during an emergency situation. Complete instructions are available from Multipure. This is a very important aspect of our filters, which can help you survive an emergency such as a flood or earthquake.

6. Can the Multipure Drinking Water System be connected to an automatic ice-maker?

Yes. The following Multipure Drinking Water Systems (Models MP750SB, MP1200EL, and MP880EL) can be connected to any type of water dispenser or ice maker.

7. Does the system remove the natural, healthy trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium?

No, Multipure Drinking Water Systems leave in the healthy, naturally occurring minerals while reducing more dangerous contaminants than any other filter on the market.

8. How did Multipure design the filter to take out contaminants like VOC'sbut not the natural minerals?

Minerals are totally dissolved in solution and do not have an actual physical size; thus, the minerals pass through the filter unchanged.

The materials used in Multipure Drinking Water are specially selected for their ability to react with the chemicals in the water but not with natural minerals. The ability to leave the natural, healthy minerals in while reducing harmful contaminants was a vital factor in the development of Multipure's solid carbon block filter. The medical community has always maintained that certain minerals were essential for a healthy body, and a recent study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that drinking water with high levels of beneficial, healthful minerals may reduce the risk of heart disease. This is why we at www.whatsthebestwaterfilter.com recommend carbon filters over reverse osmosis or distillation, which remove the healthful minerals along with the bad stuff.

9. If the unit does not remove minerals, how does it take out lead?

Multipure was able to devise a solid carbon block filter whereby certain dissolved impurities, such as Lead and chemicals, are adsorbed to the carbon surface by chemical reaction and adsorption. Adsorption (as opposed to absorption) is defined as "the adhesion in a thin layer of molecules to the surface of solid bodies with which they are in contact" (Webster's Collegiate Dictionary). Thus the solid carbon block can be analogized to a magnet that metal shavings (Lead, in the analogy) adhere to.

And we don't just SAY it does this, the NSF certifies that it does! Be sure to ask if any other filter you are considering has NSF Certification that their filter does what it says it does. Anyone can hire an "independent lab". The NSF is respected and known all over the world to be unbiased and thorough in their testing.

10. If a filter can take out Chlorine, can it also take outTrihalomethanes(disinfection by-products)?

Multipure Drinking Water Systems have been tested and certified to reduce Chlorine and Trihalomethanes. However, not all other filters certified to reduce Chlorine can reduce Trihalomethanes (although some disreputable companies would have you believe so!).

Chlorine is a substance that is relatively easy to remove. But, chlorine that has interacted with organic material to form Trihalomethanes (thus having a completely different molecular structure) is extremely difficult to remove, so many competitor's filters that remove chlorine do not filter out the dangerous Trihalomethanes.

11. How often do the filters need to be changed?

Filter life will vary in direct proportion to the amount of water used and the type and level of impurities in the water being processed. It is recommended that the filter be replaced when the first of the following occurs: (a) the unit's rated capacity is reached; (b) annually; (c) the flow rate diminishes (which occurs when the filter becomes clogged with particulate matter); or (d) the filter becomes saturated with bad tastes and odors. The filters can not be back flushed or rinsed and used again. Even if your filter is still white and the flow rate is still high, according to EPA and state health department guidelines, filters should always be replaced at least once a year, regardless of capacity. Multipure's replacement filters last about a year, or 750 gallons, sometimes less, but they never should be used longer than a year. At about $60 per year, that comes out to about 8 cents a gallon which makes Multipure very inexpensive to operate!

12. Can hot water be run through the filter?

Hot water should not be run through the filter. But an occasional mistake will not ruin your filter! The biggest problem with hot water is the sloughing off of chemicals/compounds which had been adsorbed. The heat causes the carbon pores to open up, which could result in lead or chemicals being released into the water, so the carbon would not effectively reduce contaminants in the water. Hot water is usually under 212 degrees, and that isn't hot enough to alter the raw materials, so there wouldn't be any damage to the filter itself. If someone does run hot water through the filter, they should immediately run cold water through until the filter cools and then flush the filter for about 3 minutes. The filter then will again perform effectively. And, don't drink the hot water.

13. If I leave on vacation, do I have to disconnect my filter?

Yes, if you are gone for more than 10 days. Do not allow water to sit in the unit for extended periods of time (10 or more days) without being used. If the unit is to be left unused for more than 10 days, drain all the water from the system and remove the filter. Upon your return reconnect the filter in the housing and continue use.

"A Better Way To Water" is a short video that answers many questions about water, contaminants and filters:

This next one is a very funny video in which Penn and Teller give people water from a garden hose and tell them it's expensive bottled water and they can't tell the difference. It also has a lot of good info about why bottled is not the answer! (If you are offended by the s--- word, then do not watch.)